Tumor Associated Tissue Eosinophilia in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Histo-Chemical Analysis

Background: Tumor associated tissue eosinophilia (TATE) is believed to play a significant role in biological behavior of the carcinoma. Eosinophils are involved in immune reaction. Various studies have been carried out regarding their role in tumor progression or regulation. In oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), eosinophils are associated with favourable or unfavourable prognosis and hence their role is yet unclear. To compare the tissue eosinophils in OSCC and normal tissue and to correlate the expression of TATE in different grades of OSCC.

Method: Study comprised 30 cases, 6 normal and 24 histopathologically diagnosed with OSCC. 4 micron thick sections were stained using 1% congo red solution. The sections were examined under high power (×40) and 10 consecutive microscopic fields were studied. The average number of eosinophils were statistically analysed.

Results: The tabulated results showed that the median value of tissue eosinophils, increased in OSCC compared to normal mucosa. Analysis on different grades of carcinoma showed a higher TATE in Well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma as compared to other grades.

Conclusion: The higher eosinophil count in OSCC compare to normal tissue might have a role in stromal invasion and infiltration. TATE can be used as an indicator of favourable prognosis in OSCC.